Is It Burnout?

Caring, conscientious, goal-oriented and over-achieving women (and men, too!) are candidates for burnout. In case you think only executives who work too late and too hard can experience burnout, read the following definition. Burnout is the type of stress and emotional fatigue, frustration, and exhaustion that occurs when a series of (or combination of) events in a relationship, mission, way of life, or job fail to produce an expected result. Perhaps you recognize yourself or someone you know.

I felt positive my commitment to hard work would bring me what I desired, and was flabbergasted when I ran out of energy, enthusiasm and faith. Disillusioned I asked: Is there any hope for renewal?

“Yes, Joan!” assured my loving Creator. “Though you stumble, you’ll one day soar on wings like an eagle, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. Trust me. I’ll renew your lost strength. ” (Isaiah 40:29,31)

I didn’t feel it or foresee it. I didn’t even have the strength to believe it, but since I couldn’t do it anymore, I stopped trying and left my stuff with God. Miraculously when I stopped striving, God took over.

Making It Personal: Read the statement about burnout again. What part of this definition taps you on your shoulder? Or punches you in the stomach? (Awareness is a positive step forward.)

Adapted from It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life by Joan C. Webb http://tinyurl.com/DevoBook

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